Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
University of Lethbridge
$42,900.00
Interactions between learning and memory systems
EF 2008-09
Résumé
A significant amount of evidence from different levels of analysis suggests that learning and memory function in the mammalian brain is organized into a group of neural systems mediating different memory functions. There are at least 5 different systems in the brain, each of which is designed for learning about different types of relationships. My research has focused on three of these systems (hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and amygdala). Research, from a wide range of biological and non-biological fields are in agreement that in all complex systems, coherent outputs or behaviour arise from cooperation and competition among the various elements of the system. The organization of learning and memory function in the mammal appears to follow the same principles. Our working hypothesis about the organization of these learning and memory systems is that although they process information independently the systems can interact cooperatively or competitively to influence ongoing or future behaviour. Consistent with this view, several demonstrations of both cooperative and competitive interactions between various learning and memory systems have been shown. The equipment described in this proposal will enable NSERC-funded researchers at the University of Lethbridge and national and international collaborators the ability to assess the integrity of different learning and memory systems in the mammalian brain on the same task. The outcomes of this kind of research should not be underestimated. Abnormalities in the relationships between these learning and memory systems are now thought to be responsible for a wide range of abnormal behaviour and psychiatric disorders found in humans. Accordingly, basic scientific information about the functions of these various brain systems, how and when they interact with each other, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms supporting these functions is critical if we are to understand normal and abnormal manifestations of behaviour in humans.
Programme
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Alberta, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
376365-2009
Name nom
McDonald, Robert
Department département
Psychology and Neuroscience
Organization id
12
Institution établissement
University of Lethbridge
Province en
Alberta
Province fr
Alberta
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2008
Competition year année de concours
2009
Award amount
42900
Program id
EQPEQ
Program nane en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
12
Committee name en
Psychology: Brain, Behaviour & Cognitive Sciences
Committee name fr
Psychologie: Cerveau, comportement et science cognitive
Area of application code
1210
Area of application group en
Advancement of knowledge
Area of application group fr
Avancement des connaissances
Area of application en
Psychology
Area of application fr
Psychologie
Research subject code
6309
Research subject group en
Psychology
Research subject group fr
Psychologie
Research subject en
Behavioural neuroscience --learning
Research subject fr
Neurologie du comportement -- apprentissage
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Interactions between learning and memory systems
Keyword
NA
Application summary
A significant amount of evidence from different levels of analysis suggests that learning and memory function in the mammalian brain is organized into a group of neural systems mediating different memory functions. There are at least 5 different systems in the brain, each of which is designed for learning about different types of relationships. My research has focused on three of these systems (hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and amygdala). Research, from a wide range of biological and non-biological fields are in agreement that in all complex systems, coherent outputs or behaviour arise from cooperation and competition among the various elements of the system. The organization of learning and memory function in the mammal appears to follow the same principles. Our working hypothesis about the organization of these learning and memory systems is that although they process information independently the systems can interact cooperatively or competitively to influence ongoing or future behaviour. Consistent with this view, several demonstrations of both cooperative and competitive interactions between various learning and memory systems have been shown. The equipment described in this proposal will enable NSERC-funded researchers at the University of Lethbridge and national and international collaborators the ability to assess the integrity of different learning and memory systems in the mammalian brain on the same task. The outcomes of this kind of research should not be underestimated. Abnormalities in the relationships between these learning and memory systems are now thought to be responsible for a wide range of abnormal behaviour and psychiatric disorders found in humans. Accordingly, basic scientific information about the functions of these various brain systems, how and when they interact with each other, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms supporting these functions is critical if we are to understand normal and abnormal manifestations of behaviour in humans.
